Mitchum roll-on recall: Consumer watchdog urges public to stop use, seek full refund

702's Relebogile Mabotja chats to consumer journalist Wendy Knowler, spokesperson for the National Consumer Commission Phetho Ntaba, and attorney Janusz Luterek. 

Listen below:

"If there are enough people who have suffered harm, there could be a class action."

 - Janusz Luterek, attorney 

More than 124,000 Mitchum roll-on deodorants have been recalled in South Africa after a change in the manufacturing process led to altered acidity levels, causing skin reactions in some users. 

The National Consumer Commission (NCC) confirmed that affected products could trigger contact dermatitis, particularly in people with sensitive skin. 

RELATED: Mitchum recalls select deodorants, apologises over skin irritation complaints

Products involved in the recall include Mitchum roll-ons for both women and men, across several variants and batch numbers:

• Mitchum Woman Roll On 100ml 48H Shower Fresh – Batch numbers: S25331A / S25422A
• Mitchum Woman Roll On 100ml 48H Powder Fresh – Batch numbers: S25331A / S25416
• Mitchum Men Roll On 100ml 48H Sport – Batch numbers: S25328A / S25416A
• Mitchum Men Roll On 100ml 48H Mountain Air – Batch number: S25415B

Concerns have mounted over the delayed local response, as the NCC admitted it only became aware of the issue through UK media reports.

Although the manufacturer communicated the defect to international regulators earlier this month, the recall in South Africa was only confirmed days later – after the NCC initiated contact with local distributor Revlon.

Consumers have since reported difficulties in securing refunds from retailers as well as challenges accessing Mitchum’s South African call centre, which operates only during limited evening hours.

The NCC urges anyone with affected products to stop use immediately and return them for a full refund – no proof of purchase is required.

Consumers who suffered medical harm, including burns or rashes, are advised to keep their receipts and contact the NCC or Revlon directly to seek compensation.

The Commission says it may escalate the matter further if retailers and distributors fail to comply with the recall obligations.

Consumers are urged to contact Mitchum’s Consumer Care on the toll-free number 0800 128 464, alternatively the NCC on 012 065 1940 or email productrecall@thencc.org.za

"We need those complaints... we need to really understand the magnitude of the problem."

-  Phetho Ntaba, National Consumer Commission spokesperson

"While you are still struggling to get a hold of Mitchum, we are available as the National Consumer Commission... your matter will be addressed."

- Phetho Ntaba, National Consumer Commission spokesperson

"We want to ensure that every South African consumer who is affected by the product recall gets what is right by them."

- Phetho Ntaba, National Consumer Commission spokesperson

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